Brakettes Announce Events for Alumnae Weekend 2011

May 14, 2011 - The Stratford Brakettes will celebrate their long and storied history this summer throughout Alumnae Weekend 2011, planned for July 8th-10th, at DeLuca Hall of Fame Field in Stratford. The weekend will mark the first official Brakettes Reunion in more than 20 years and will feature many activities for both players and fans alike. The 29-time national champions will be playing their 65th season of fastpitch softball this summer.

Alumnae Weekend 2011 will begin Friday night, July 8th, as many former players will attend the Brakettes' 7 pm doubleheader with the CT Mirage Gold. All Brakettes in attendance will be acknowledged before the game over the P.A., as the team officially kicks off the reunion. There will be an All-Star Home Run Derby between games, featuring both current and former Brakettes. There will also be Trivia Challenges and prize giveaways, as the team remembers many of the great moments and players in its history.

The celebration will move into high gear Saturday with a marquee matchup between the defending Women's Major Softball champion Brakettes and the New York City Havoc, 2009 WMS Champions, in a 7:00 doubleheader.

There will be a Meet and Greet session with fans at 4:30 Saturday prior to the games. The Brakette Alumnae will gather for announcements and parade onto the field at approximately 6:00. The National Anthem will be sung, followed by a moment of silence to remember deceased Brakettes and others associated with the team, including Hall of Famer Allyson Rioux and recently passed Rusty Abernethy, as well as former GM's Bill Simpson and Joe Barber, and sponsor Dave Carpenter.

The 2011 Alumnae Game will be played between games of the Saturday night doubleheader, with a two-inning matchup pitting two teams of former Brakettes against each other. An All-Time Brakettes team photo will also be taken Saturday, and may be ordered Friday thru Sunday at the souvenir stand.

Sunday morning will feature a brunch for players and guests. This will also be an opportunity for players to have group or family pictures taken which will be made into an online gallery. Following the brunch, fans will have a chance to visit with players. The Brakettes will play a double header vs. the NYC Havoc at 1:00 P.M.

The Alumnae Weekend committee, led by team photographer Kathy Gage, has been in contact with 185 former Brakettes regarding the reunion. The complete list of players that have been in touch with the committee can be seen at http://www.stratfordbrakettes.com/reunion_2011.htm

The Brakettes need your help in finding the rest! If you know how to contact any Brakettes not yet mentioned, please e-mail Kathy at reunion@startfordbrakettes.com.

If you played for the Brakettes go to http://www.stratfordbrakettes.com/reunion_registration.htm to sign up for the reunion, which is free for all former Brakettes.

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